PCOD and PCOS are two of the most common hormonal disorders that affect women of reproductive age. Both conditions are characterized by an imbalance of hormones, which can lead to a variety of symptoms, including irregular periods, weight gain, and acne.
However, there are some key differences between PCOD and PCOS.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of PCOD or PCOS, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Lifestyle changes have severely impacted people’s bodies, and not in a good way. Earlier, women used to hit puberty at the ages of thirteen to nineteen. However, today, girls between 10-12 years, with an average age of 10 years, experience their first menstrual cycle. Moreover, as opposed to menopause in the 50s, women today are experiencing menopause in their 40s.
With these changes in lifestyle and menstrual cycle, there has been a significant increase in cases of PCOD and PCOS in India. But what are PCOD and PCOS? What is PCOD vs PCOS full form? Many women use these terms interchangeably because both conditions are related to ovaries and cause hormonal disturbances. However, there are several differences between PCOD and PCOS. Let’s delve deeper to get an in-depth understanding of PCOD vs PCOS.
Every woman has two ovaries that release an egg alternatively every month. These ovaries produce female hormones responsible for periods, fertility, facial hair, etc. They also produce male hormones (androgens) but in very little quantity. In PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease), the ovaries release several immature or partially mature eggs that turn into cysts over time. This results in giving the ovary a pearl-necklace appearance.
The release of immature eggs causes the ovaries to become large and secrete large amounts of male hormones, resulting in symptoms like irregular menstrual cycles, abnormal weight gain, and hair loss. PCOD can be managed with lifestyle and diet modifications.
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a disorder of the endocrine system. It causes hormonal imbalance in women between 12 and 51 years old (reproductive years). In PCOS, the ovaries produce high quantities of male hormones, interfering with the development and release of eggs. Some eggs develop into cysts (little sacs filled with fluid) that build up in the ovaries and sometimes get enlarged.
The increase in male hormones can cause irregular ovulation, making it difficult to conceive. Females with this condition may also skip menstrual periods and get abnormal hair growth on the body and face. In the long term, PCOS can lead to diabetes and heart disease. It is a serious condition that requires appropriate medical attention or surgical intervention.
Read More: PCOS in Hindi - पीसीओएस के लक्षण, कारण, इलाज और निदान क्या हैं?
While people may consider PCOD and PCOS the same, they are different. PCOS is usually considered a more severe condition than PCOD. The following table compares PCOD vs PCOS differences to help you understand how these two conditions differ from one another.
Parameter |
PCOD | PCOS |
PCOD vs PCOS Full Form |
Polycystic Ovarian Disease |
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome |
Meaning | It is a condition where the ovaries produce immature or partially mature eggs that transform into cysts. | It is a more severe condition in which the ovaries produce a high quantity of male hormones, resulting in multiple cyst formations. |
Occurrence |
Almost one-third of women around the world suffer from PCOD. | The number of women affected is fewer than in PCOD. |
The number of follicles in ovaries |
5 to 6 follicles |
12 or more follicles |
Impact on pregnancy |
It does not affect fertility in all women. In about 80% of cases, women can get pregnant with little aid and medications.
|
It adversely affects female fertility, making it difficult for women to conceive. |
Complications |
No serious complications |
Can cause complications like high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and advanced endometrial cancer. |
Team of doctors for treatment |
Gynaecologist, endocrinologist, dietitian, dermatologist, infertility expert |
Gynaecologist, endocrinologist, fertility healthcare provider, dietitian, mental health expert |
Today, several women have PCOD or PCOS but are unaware of it. Looking out for their symptoms can help in early diagnosis and management. Moreover, it is important to know their causes to develop an effective treatment plan.
For PCOD vs PCOS symptoms, there are usually several overlaps. The key differentiator between PCOS symptoms vs PCOD symptoms is that in PCOS, symptoms like hair growth, acne and weight gain are accompanied with PCOD. Furthermore, the severity of symptoms varies between these two conditions. The reasons for their occurrence are also more or less similar. The following table compares the symptoms and causes of PCOD and PCOS.
Parameter | PCOD | PCOS |
Symptoms |
|
|
Causes |
It is believed to be associated with the following:
|
Certain factors that contribute to this condition include:
|
A gynaecologist uses a combination of tests to diagnose PCOD and PCOS. They may look at your signs and symptoms, evaluate your medical history, conduct a physical exam, and perform other lab tests. Additional tests may be performed to rule out the possibility of other medical conditions that cause symptoms similar to PCOD and PCOS.
While PCOS and PCOD vary in several parameters, the two are similar in terms of the benefit derived from a healthy lifestyle and diet. Several other treatment options can help manage PCOS symptoms vs PCOD symptoms. The following table compares the diagnosis and treatment for PCOD and PCOS.
Parameters | PCOD | PCOS |
Diagnosis |
|
|
Treatment |
There is no known treatment for PCOD. However, you can manage the symptoms associated with the condition by:
Some medications and surgical options can also help manage PCOD symptoms:
|
Medicines to regulate periods:
Medicines to help you ovulate:
Medicines and creams to reduce excessive hair growth or treat acne:
Surgical and laser treatments:
|
Despite PCOD vs PCOS differences, the best way to manage and control PCOD and PCOS is by making lifestyle modifications.
Diet is a crucial component of managing PCOD and PCOS. It helps lower insulin levels, improves cholesterol levels, and reduces the risk of diabetes. The following is the list of what you should eat and avoid if you are diagnosed with either PCOD or PCOS.
Foods to eat:
Foods to avoid:
While there may be similar symptoms and treatments for both conditions, there are several differences, such as PCOD vs PCOS full form, meaning, complications, impact on pregnancy, etc. The primary PCOD vs PCOS difference is that PCOS is a more severe condition than PCOD. Following a healthy diet and making certain lifestyle modifications can help manage symptoms and control hormonal imbalances caused by these conditions.
PCOS symptoms vs PCOD symptoms can be similar to the ones experienced in other reproductive disorders. Therefore, you should not self-medicate to control and manage the symptoms. Consult a specialist who will diagnose your condition by checking androgen levels and looking for cysts. HexaHealth can help you find the right gynaecologist or endocrinologist to diagnose and treat your symptoms effectively. Contact an HexaHealth expert TODAY to avail extensive assistance throughout your treatment.Both PCOD and PCOS do not have a complete cure. However, the symptoms of both can be managed by lifestyle modifications, like maintaining a healthy weight, eating a carbohydrate-rich diet, being active, and doing regular exercise. Furthermore, certain medicines and surgeries can help manage PCOD vs PCOS symptoms.
PCOD is a medical condition in which the ovaries produce several immature or partially mature eggs. The exact cause of PCOD is not known. However, the factors contributing to the condition include poor lifestyle, hormonal imbalance, obesity, high androgen levels, inflammation, etc.
PCOS is a common cause of infertility in women. However, having PCOS does not mean that you cannot get pregnant. It might be a little difficult, and you may need additional help. The following steps can help reduce your PCOS symptoms and increases your chances of a healthy pregnancy:
If lifestyle modification and fertility medications do not work, you may need IVF treatment to get pregnant.
PCOS symptoms vs PCOD symptoms often overlap. While PCOS symptoms appear early in life, PCOD symptoms are usually experienced later. Some common symptoms of PCOD and PCOS include:
PCOS is a more harmful and serious condition than PCOD. PCOD can usually be managed just by making lifestyle changes and may not even require any further treatment. However, this is not true for PCOS.
Last Updated on: 3 July 2024
A specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology with a rich experience of over 21 years is currently working in HealthFort Clinic. She has expertise in Hymenoplasty, Vaginoplasty, Vaginal Tightening, Labiaplasty, MTP (Medical Termination...View More
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